Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo faces impeachment over alleged misconduct

A motion to impeach Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo was tabled by Sericho Ward MCA Abubakar Godana at the Isiolo County Assembly on Tuesday afternoon.

The motion accuses the governor of abuse of office, gross misconduct, and violations of the Leadership and Integrity Act, 2012.

It has received unanimous backing from all 18 Members of the County Assembly (MCAs), including the Majority Leader and Garbatulla MCA Abdirashid Ali.

Seconded by Chari MCA Meja Golicha, the motion outlines several allegations against Governor Guyo.

MCA Godana cited the governor’s alleged failure to uphold constitutional principles of good governance, accountability, and transparency, as mandated by Articles 10 and 73 of the Constitution.

Among the grievances is the mismanagement of a county-funded mega-project, as highlighted in an Auditor General’s report, alongside the county’s failure to meet critical development targets.

Despite Isiolo receiving the third-lowest budgetary allocation in Kenya, MCA Godana noted that public resources have been imprudently managed.

The governor is also accused of appointing an excessive number of advisors, exceeding the limit set by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission, which caps such appointments at four.

The motion further alleges that Governor Guyo fostered a climate of fear among chief officers by arbitrarily managing their two-year contracts, with some contracts not renewed in March 2025, leading to disruptions in service delivery.

In addition, the governor is accused of making derogatory and sexist remarks against Isiolo’s senator, actions said to violate the Protection Against Domestic Violence Act, 2015, and Chapter 6 of the Constitution.

"Governor Guyo has been frequently absent from his official duties, reportedly spending significant time in Nairobi, which has hindered effective county governance," said MCA Godana.

The motion also highlights the governor’s use of divisive and abusive language, which allegedly undermines the dignity of his office in breach of Articles 73 and 75 of the Constitution and Section 8 of the Leadership and Integrity Act.

Isiolo County Assembly Speaker Mohamed Roba addressed the motion and detailed the procedural steps ahead.

"Whenever such a motion is tabled, specific procedures must be followed," Speaker Roba told the assembly.

These steps include a mandatory seven-day notice period, public participation, and a hearing for the governor.

If the motion secures the support of two-thirds of the assembly members, it will be forwarded to the Senate Speaker for further action within two days.

Speaker Roba confirmed the adjournment of the County Assembly until Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at 2:30 PM, to allow for public engagement and further deliberations.

He urged MCAs to prepare for the upcoming public participation and promised to provide additional updates during the week.

MCA Godana presented a list of all 18 assembly members who endorsed the motion, including nominated MCAs Beka Bonja, Fatouma Lawa, and Fawzia Djibril, as well as David Waiguru Nyoro (Guru Presa), Silesio Kiambi (Wabera), and Victor Losu (Makara).

"It was a unanimous decision by the entire assembly," said Godana, emphasizing the collective determination of locals to address the serious allegations against the governor.

The unfolding impeachment proceedings mark a critical juncture for Isiolo County’s leadership.

As public participation begins, all eyes will be on the county assembly to see how this political crisis evolves and what implications it holds for governance and accountability in Isiolo.

Since Kenya’s 2010 Constitution introduced county governments, impeachment motions against governors have been common, usually citing abuse of office, misconduct, or financial mismanagement.

While some governors have been removed, many motions fail due to political factors or procedural hurdles, such as the need for a two-thirds majority in the county assembly and Senate approval.